Towns To Watch in 2009
By: TW Editors 01/01/2009
TELLURIDE, CO
What began as a 19th-century mining town is presently a tribute to Western heritage. Telluride’s Victorian-era architecture has made it a National Historic Landmark District. Telluride’s Historic and Architectural Review Commission continues to protect the character of this district. Here, you can explore the terrain Butch Cassidy traveled, the 1901 Miner’s Union, the Old Town Jail from 1885 or the renovated Rio Grande Southern Railway Depot, with some of the original 1891 buildings.
TOMBSTONE, AZ
No one loves the “Town Too Tough to Die” more than us, and that’s why we have shown Tombstone some tough love in the past when it comes to its preservation efforts; we don’t want Tombstone to lose its national landmark status! In 2008, we heard the good news that, thanks to a state of Arizona grant, much of Fremont Street will be returned to its 1881 look when Doc, Wyatt, Virgil and Morgan walked the street to confront cowboys behind the O.K. Corral. Keep up the good work, folks. ?
IDAHO FALLS, ID
This town is fast becoming a desirable destination due to an influx of downtown restoration. The Idaho Falls Downtown group is aiming to preserve the architectural styles of buildings from the early 1900s, “which is the heart and soul” of the community. These buildings are further stabilized by lava rock walls and refurbished century-year-old windows. The National Park Service’s close watch on the project guarantees a future that will provide impressive nostalgia. With 26 buildings on the historic register, Idaho Falls is anxious to add more.
CODY, WY
With 20 sites on the National Register of Historic Places, this town proudly represents its 1895 founder, Buffalo Bill, with a growing list of heritage events such as the Buffalo Bill Art Show and the Buffalo Bill Birthday Ball, and ongoing preservation efforts by the renowned Buffalo Bill Historical Center. The latest project was the restoration of the Chamberlin Inn, with a history dating back to 1903; the Chamberlin is now listed as a “Top 10 Inn” in the nation.
CALDWELL, KS
With a population of 1,280 residents, this Chisholm Trail town consistently presents a “do it yourself” attitude toward historical preservation. Currently, the restorations of the Caldwell Messenger newspaper headquarters (first issue, then-called the News, printed in 1887), the Schaeffer Mortuary, established in 1885, and an early-1900s building on Main Street are key elements to that attitude. The cowtown ranching heritage is reinforced by the Chisholm Trail Festival and Cattle Run, which reminds one of Spain’s Running of the Bulls (but on a safer note), and the Cherokee Strip Land Run.
CAMP VERDE, AZ
“Where the past meets the present and comes alive!” is the motto of the near 12,000 residents who dwell here. The town’s efforts are always in full swing, from the restoration of Wingfield Plaza with the new Black Jack Ketchum Museum to the renovation of the circa 1871 sutler’s store in Fort Verde State Historic Park to the re-enactments of the Camp Verde Cavalry.
LANDER, WY
Frequented by Old West icons such as Jedediah Smith, Calamity Jane and the only sheriff to have Butch Cassidy locked up in his jail, Charlie Stough, Lander has no shortage of Western pride or tales to tell. Especially this past year: restoration of the 1917 Noble Hotel under the National Register of Historic Structures and the completion of the Museum of the American West. Much credit goes to the Lander Pioneer group, which has restored 11 significant historic structures in six years.
COFFEYVILLE, KS
Coffeyville works hard to maintain its notoriety as the home to the 1892 Dalton Raid, a historic gun battle between outlaws and the forces of law and order in the Southwest. Preservation efforts are in full swing here:?heritage events include the Inter-State Fair & Rodeo, which turned 100 in 2008, and Dalton Defenders Days; and the 1904 Brown Mansion and 1871 Perkins Building are being restored to their original beauty.
DODGE CITY, KS
As a living Western town where cattle is still the basis for economic well-being, this is a historically rich city. Restoration has been abundant at locations such as the 1919 Hoover Pavilion, the 1907 Carnegie Center for Arts, the 1929 Dodge Theatre and the 1881 Mueller-Schmidt House. Heritage events include Dodge City Days and Dodgetoberfest. The Visitor’s Bureau even hosts numerous international journalists to promote the city’s Western heritage to international travelers. “Get the heck INTO Dodge,” is what the residents tell you!
RUIDOSO, NM
Billy the Kid loved this year-round playground of the Southwest, and the New Mexico Heritage Preservation Alliance will make sure you don’t forget it. Visitors can go see the Kid’s old hideaway at the working Historic Old Mill, the oldest building in Ruidoso, as well as a 1930’s ranch replica at the Carrizozo Heritage Museum. Lynda Sanchez, an ardent supporter of Fort Stanton, northeast of the city, also won some solid commitments from the Lincoln County Commission to establish a Veterans Legacy Museum at the complex. The 1855 fort is on its way to becoming a part of the State Monuments division. To top it all off, a new Billy the Kid museum is due to open soon.
Comments (3)
Very cool! How do I send this to my out of region FB friends for their perusal?
Glad we bought a home in Ruidoso last year.Love the town and weather there.
Ruidoso and Lincoln County are true diamonds of the Old West. It doesn't get better. History surrounds you. You can also live it. Lots of activities are organized to show you the Old West. Trail rides, museums, cowboy shows, Apache Indian ceremonies and rituals. Just visit http://www.ruidoso-info.com and you will get the latest on Billy the Kid and all the other good stuff.
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